Getting Around Metz
Metz is a compact city built where branches of the Moselle and the Seille rivers create several islands, and its historic centre is one of the largest commercial pedestrian areas in France. That geography shapes how visitors move around: much of what you will want to see is within easy walking distance, and the city's public transport network fills in the gaps for the rest of the city and the surrounding area.
On Foot
Walking is the simplest way to get around central Metz. The city is easy to navigate on foot, most places are a short walk apart, and it often takes less time to walk than to hunt for parking. Everything in the city centre is easily accessible on foot, and much of the main downtown and shopping area is pedestrianised.
Do note that there are a few hills, so the terrain is not entirely flat. If you are new to the city, pick up a downtown map, but the layout is easy to learn and you will quickly feel comfortable exploring on your own. Take your time: the buildings vary widely in design, style and age, with details you will miss if you are not looking.
Public Transport: Le Met'
Metz's urban bus network is branded Le Met'. It is the main public transport option for reaching parts of the city beyond the walkable centre. The network is built around two Metis lines and a set of L and C lines that link residential districts, hospitals, and park-and-ride sites with the centre.
- Metis M A — Borny to Woippy P+R St. Eloy
- Metis M B — Hôpital Mercy to Université Saulcy
- L1 — La Corchade to Moulins Tournebride
- L2 — République to Marly
- L3 — Woippy to Costes et Bellonte
- L4 — Grange-aux-Bois to Devant-les-Ponts Plappeville
- L5 — Magny to Maison Neuve
- C11 — St-Julien-lès-Metz to Devant-les-Ponts
- C12 — République to Grange-aux-Bois
- C13 — Noisseville to Costes et Bellonte
- C14 — Hôpital Schuman to Moulins Mairie
- C15 — Plappeville to Montigny Blory
- C16 — Woippy to Intendants Joba
- C17 — Hôpital Schuman to Moulins Tournebride
For timetables and detailed route information, check the official Le Met' website.
Tickets and Information
The main ticket sales office and information point is the Espace Mobilité LE MET', located at Place de la République, 1 avenue Robert Schuman. It is open Monday to Saturday, 08:30–18:30. This is the place to go for tickets, passes and network information.
By Bicycle
Bikes are also a great way to get around Metz, though the same caveat about hills applies. If the weather is nice, renting a bike and heading south along the Moselle toward Nancy or Thionville is a rewarding option: the paths are well-marked, well-maintained and mostly flat.
Bikes can be rented next to the train station or across the street from the cathedral. The cost is €10 per day, and a rental requires either a credit card number or a cash deposit of €100 per bike.
By Car
Driving in the centre of town is not recommended. Instead, park in one of the well-marked parking areas signposted from the main roads in, then walk or use public transport. Be aware that in parking areas you may be approached by beggars offering to watch your car or approaching you at ticket machines while your wallet is out; local police decline to prevent this activity even though they acknowledge it is illegal and keeps visitors away.
By Train
Metz's railway station, the Gare de Metz-Ville, sits at the southern edge of the city centre. Built in 1908, it retains its imperial area from the German period. The station has connections to Paris, Luxembourg and Strasbourg, including TGV services. As a sample fare, the train from Luxembourg costs €16.50. If you hold an Interrail pass, note that you will likely need to make reservations well in advance.
By Plane
Metz–Nancy–Lorraine Airport (ETZ) lies southeast of the city. It is a small regional airport serving Metz and Nancy; most of its destinations are within France. Luxembourg Airport is another option: it is located nearby in Luxembourg, is small compared with other international European hubs, but serves most major destinations around the continent. From Metz you can drive there in less than an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train to Luxembourg City and then a bus to the airport, a journey that takes about 1.5 hours.
If you are feeling adventurous or do not mind taking your time, you can also fly from Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Strasbourg and Saarbrücken airports.
Practical Summary
- Best for the centre: walking — much of downtown is pedestrianised and everything central is easily reached on foot.
- Best for the wider city: Le Met' buses, with tickets and information from the Espace Mobilité at Place de la République.
- Best for a day out: a rented bike along the Moselle paths toward Nancy or Thionville.
- Arriving by rail: Gare de Metz-Ville, at the southern edge of the centre, with TGV links to Paris, Luxembourg and Strasbourg.
- Arriving by air: the small regional Metz–Nancy–Lorraine Airport, or Luxembourg Airport (under an hour by car, or about 1.5 hours by train plus bus).